Bildung, die nachhallt

Students from diverse educational and life backgrounds take part in 90 ritualized workshops over three school semesters, creating sustainable connections with the living world through participatory, process-oriented learning.

Working with small, consistent groups during the pandemic revealed an essential insight: the pedagogy aimed at “falling in love with the world” and meeting it with respect can only unfold through continuous, process-based collaboration with children and young people. Teachers repeatedly emphasize the need to move beyond one-time excursions toward recurring experiences that nurture depth, awareness, and connection.

Over the course of three school semesters, ten school classes will participate in a total of 90 ritualized workshops. This participatory and rhythmical approach fosters mindfulness, creativity, and active engagement with the living world.

The concept draws on years of experience from the “Erfahrungsfeld Schloss Freudenberg,” where learning through sensory experience and co-creation forms the foundation of educational work.

The project also addresses teachers and educators as essential collaborators. They are supported in developing a personal relationship with nature – enabling them to strengthen children’s capacity to engage with the world with openness and empathy. In this way, the project not only resonates within each participant but also contributes to a more connected and sustainable education system.

Initiators

Schloss Freudenberg, operated by the non-profit organization Gesellschaft Natur + Kunst e.V., has been dedicated to sustainable education for a socio-ecological future for more than 30 years.

The elementary school Schelmengraben, the Alfred-Delp School, and the IGS Jawlensky serve as long-term partner schools within the project.

The Software AG Foundation and the PiENSA! Foundation provide financial support.

Prof. Matthias Witte from the University of Mainz accompanies the project through academic research and evaluation.